Long-term Middle Ear Ventilation Tube (Paparella type II) for Otitis Media with Effusion

The use of long-term middle ear ventilation tubes (Paparella type II) was retrospectively analyzed in 66 ears with otitis media with effusion, in children treated at Kagawa Medical University Hospital between January 1990 and March 1998. The average intubation period was 23.9 months. The average pure tone air conduction threshold showed a remarkable improvement of between 32.7dBHL and 16.9dBHL. Otorrhea was observed in 25 ears (37.8%), obstruction in 2 ears (3.0%), granulation in 3 ears (4.5%) and permanent ear drum perforation in 11 ears (19.6%). No cholesteatma or adhesion of the ear drum was seen. Recurrence of otitis media with effusion was found in 9 of 45 ears (20.0%). In conclusion, Paparella type II tube can be placed for a long-term period and have a low rate of reccurence, but have a high rate of otorrhea and permanent ear drum perforation.